Frank Arthur Thiele

November 23, 1929 - December 19, 2009

Obituary

Frank Arthur Thiele, a long-time resident of Langley, B.C., passed away on Saturday, December 19, 2009 at the age of 80 after a lengthy illness. Throughout Dad's illness and passing, his children were by his side. He will be sadly missed by his 6 loving children, Rick, Joanne (Lorne) Smith, Diane (Dave) Miller, Dan (Virginia), Marianne (Rick) Koop and Gregory; 13 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sisters Gladys (Dave) Brown, Doreen Moyer and sister-in-law Maureen Thiele. Dad was predeceased by his wife, Patricia, of 51 years in 2003 and his brother, Jerry, in 2004. Born on November 23, 1929 in Regina, Saskatchewan, Dad moved to...

Frank Arthur Thiele, a long-time resident of Langley, B.C., passed away on Saturday, December 19, 2009 at the age of 80 after a lengthy illness. Throughout Dad's illness and passing, his children were by his side. He will be sadly missed by his 6 loving children, Rick, Joanne (Lorne) Smith, Diane (Dave) Miller, Dan (Virginia), Marianne (Rick) Koop and Gregory; 13 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sisters Gladys (Dave) Brown, Doreen Moyer and sister-in-law Maureen Thiele. Dad was predeceased by his wife, Patricia, of 51 years in 2003 and his brother, Jerry, in 2004.

Born on November 23, 1929 in Regina, Saskatchewan, Dad moved to Vancouver with his family in 1934 and attended St. Augustine's School. He worked for Pacific Press for 43 years before retiring in August of 1993. An accomplished violinist, Dad toured with his sister, Gladys, during the Second World War, entertaining Army, Navy and Air Force troops. He also played on a regular basis at the Kitsilano Showboat. In 1966, Dad and Mom bought a farm in Langley and produced "Pat and Frank's finest strawberries in the Fraser Valley". This was our family home for 37 years. Mom and Dad hosted many family gatherings, with Dad on the tractor thrilling us all with hay rides and ending our evenings with bonfires. He loved golfing, travelling, music and fishing, which was his greatest passion. He had many fishing adventures with family and friends in the Howe Sound and Pender Harbour areas. Dad was a very kind and giving person, who was always thinking of others. He was a very well respected man by all who knew him. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, December 29 at 1:30 p.m at St Joseph's Catholic Church, 20676 Fraser Highway, Langley, BC with a reception following located in the church hall.